Research on HIV epidemiology and control. Covers prevention policy, HIV-substance use links, TB co-treatment, and clearing infection in newborns.
Baligh Yehia has received the 2013 ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his pioneering work in HIV health services and quality research. He is recognized for his contributions to developing policies on healthcare reform, access to medical care, and performance measurement.
Research suggests that improved training in communication and interpersonal skills may help improve health, immune function, and reduce the spread of HIV. Patients who feel respected by their physicians are more likely to keep scheduled appointments and adhere to medical regimens.
A study reveals significant age disparities in HIV continuum of care, with people under 45 years less likely to be aware of their infection or have a suppressed viral load. Early diagnosis and prompt care are crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality, but many patients face barriers to access treatment.
In the UK, healthcare staff cannot test unconscious patients for HIV without consent, despite the risk of infection and potential psychological impact. Experts argue that changing the law would protect both patients and healthcare workers.
A new study found that injection drug users living with HIV/AIDS who were food insecure at the start of life-prolonging antiretroviral therapy were twice as likely to die compared to those who were food secure. Researchers also found that hunger was not a primary cause of mortality in this population.
A New York City program successfully located 689 out of 797 HIV-positive patients who were presumed lost to follow-up, with 77% of these patients accepting appointments at an HIV clinic and 57% returning to treatment. The effort aimed to re-engage patients in care and identify new cases of HIV infection among their sexual partners.
Scientists have determined the precise chemical structure of the HIV capsid using a combination of laboratory techniques and computational simulations. The resulting structure revealed 216 protein hexagons and 12 protein pentagons, which work together to form the cone-shaped capsid.
Effective mental health interventions can be implemented by trained non-specialized providers in HIV care, reducing the opportunity costs of care. Multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial for successful integration of mental health services into comprehensive HIV/AIDS treatment platforms.
Researchers found that a peer-referral program increased HIV diagnoses and reached uninsured populations. The study suggests that social network testing programs can be implemented in healthcare settings to provide valuable access into high-risk communities.
A study published in Violence Against Women reveals that countries with high girl child marriage rates have significantly higher maternal and infant mortality rates. The research suggests a 70% reduction in maternal mortality could be achieved by reducing girl child marriage rates by just 10%. The findings support greater advocacy and ...
The University of Rochester has been designated a Center for AIDS Research by the National Institutes of Health, with $7.5 million in new funding to advance HIV/AIDS research. The CFAR will focus on brain and aging effects, as well as RNA biology, with collaborations between departments.
The new tool uses neutralization fingerprinting to identify specific types of HIV antibodies present in a blood sample. This approach is particularly useful when other methods are not feasible and can significantly reduce the time required for analysis.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to represent HIV-infected cell reproduction, revealing significant uncontrolled replication in sanctuary sites. The discovery implies current antiretroviral therapies may not be as complete in suppressing HIV as previously thought.
Researchers at Temple University School of Medicine found that synthetic anti-inflammatory substances related to marijuana's active ingredient can attenuate HIV replication in macrophages. This discovery could lead to new drug therapies for HIV/AIDS, leveraging the human immune system's natural defenses.
The USPSTF recommends screening all adults and adolescents aged 15-65 and pregnant women for HIV to improve clinical outcomes and reduce mother-to-child transmission rates. Universal screening is associated with minimal harm and targeted screening misses a substantial number of cases.
The AfriCoLeish project aims to test new treatments for kala-azar and co-infection with HIV in Ethiopia and Sudan, providing a shorter combination treatment option. The project will also determine appropriate treatment strategies for co-infected patients to prevent relapses.
Researchers investigated the recreational use of HIV antiretroviral drug efavirenz, which is commonly used to treat HIV. Studies found that its diversion for psychoactive effects can lead to adverse neuropsychiatric complications and potentially create resistant strains of the virus.
A randomized clinical trial found that HIV-infected mothers who exclusively breastfed their babies for four months had significantly lower levels of the virus in their breast milk compared to those who stopped breastfeeding earlier. The study suggests that early and frequent breastfeeding can reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmis...
A study by TGen-led researchers found that male circumcision significantly shifts the bacterial community on the penis. The shift is primarily due to a decrease in oxygen-intolerant bacteria, which may help explain why circumcision offers protection against HIV.
A study published in Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that women with HIV have an elevated resting energy expenditure compared to healthy women. The study also showed that this effect persists even among those on effective antiretroviral therapy, suggesting a direct impact of HIV infection on metabolism.
A mathematical model developed by Yale researchers predicts that combining multiple interventions could prevent up to two-thirds of future HIV infections and reduce prevalence from 19% to 10% in 10 years. The study suggests increasing male circumcision, more frequent screening, and antiretroviral therapy as the most effective strategies.
Tracking an early immune response, researchers chart a new route for developing a long-sought HIV vaccine that boosts the body's ability to neutralize the virus. The study reveals the co-evolution of antibodies and virus in a person whose immune system mounted a broad attack against the pathogen.
A systematic review confirms HIV self-testing is effective in removing fear and stigma associated with testing, leading to higher acceptability rates. Self-tests are non-invasive, convenient, and can provide results within 20 minutes, paving the way for early detection and treatment.
A team of scientists developed a new technique for designing vaccine immunogens that can stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies effective against multiple strains of HIV. The approach, using artificial proteins engineered to bind germline B cells, offers hope for better protection against fast-mutating viruses.
A study published in PLoS Pathogens suggests that removing the viral infectivity factor gene from HIV allows the innate human immune system to destroy the virus. The researchers used a humanized mouse model and found that APOBEC3 proteins effectively restrict HIV growth when vif is removed.
A University of Michigan study found that gay couples establish 'sexual agreements' to prevent HIV transmission, with 80% keeping their agreements. However, only 57% of couples confirm having an agreement, and 50% of those break it, increasing the risk of HIV transmission.
A recent study by GW researcher Mudit Tyagi explores the impact of cocaine on HIV replication and transmission in brain cells. Cocaine use has been linked to a more severe onset of NeuroAIDS, and researchers believe that gene expression of integrated HIV proviruses are influenced by this type of stimulation.
Researchers from Ragon Institute develop a computational method to analyze viral protein sequences, identifying vulnerabilities that could be exploited for vaccine development. The approach uses spin glass models and fitness landscapes to predict the prevalence of mutant proteins, providing a new way to design effective HIV vaccines.
A new study reveals that immune cells can recognize and respond to mutated HIV, paving the way for an effective vaccine. The research suggests that a vaccine targeting key mutant forms of the virus could be effective in preventing HIV infection and AIDS.
A new study warns that widespread adoption of the 'test and treat' policy for HIV could lead to a significant increase in multi-drug resistant HIV cases. The study suggests that this approach could double the number of MDR cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) in LA County over the next 10 years.
Researchers developed computer models that accurately predict how patients with failing HIV treatments will respond to new therapies, identifying alternative effective regimens. The models were trained on thousands of global clinic data and showed promise for improving patient outcomes in resource-limited settings.
A new study suggests that current CDC guidelines for HIV screening are too restrictive, recommending less frequent testing for both high- and low-risk groups. More frequent screenings, up to every three months for high-risk individuals and every three years for low-risk groups, would be cost-effective in the long run.
A study published in AIDS journal reports that patients with undetectable viral loads and near-normal immune cell counts on antiretroviral therapy have similar mortality rates to the general population. However, those with lower CD4+ cell counts were at increased risk of death.
Albert Einstein College of Medicine researchers have been awarded a $12 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop a drug-impregnated intravaginal ring to prevent HIV infection in women. The device aims to provide safe and effective prevention strategies for women at increased risk of HIV infection.
A randomized controlled study found that computer-generated reminders significantly improved compliance with patient care guidelines in a pediatric HIV clinic in Eldoret, Kenya. The study resulted in a four-fold increase in completion of overdue clinical tasks, including laboratory tests and referrals.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed nanoparticles carrying melittin, a toxin found in bee venom, that can destroy human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) while leaving surrounding cells unharmed. This finding offers an important step towards developing a vaginal gel that may prevent the spread of HIV.
A new report by researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine highlights significant confusion among health and social care professionals about criminal prosecutions for HIV transmission. The study recommends improving best practice, training, and online resources to reduce stigma and promote public health.
A new study found that community-based HIV-prevention efforts can significantly increase testing rates and reduce new infections. The trial demonstrated a 14% reduction in new HIV infections compared to control communities.
The VOICE study found that daily use of vaginal gel or oral tablets did not prevent HIV in young, unmarried African women. Most participants did not use their assigned products as recommended, resulting in high rates of HIV acquisition among this population.
A study led by Katherine Luzuriaga and Deborah Persaud shows that early ART can curtail the formation of hard-to-treat viral sanctuaries. Five HIV-infected teenagers who started ART within two months of exposure had lower copy numbers of viral DNA compared to those who started later.
The study demonstrates that community efforts can significantly increase HIV testing rates, especially among men and young individuals. The intervention communities showed a 45% higher rate of testing for men compared to control communities, leading to a 14% reduction in new HIV infections.
Two important studies published in the March issue of AIDS found that current CDC HIV screening guidelines may be too conservative, especially for low-risk groups, and that heavy drinking leads to increased HIV risk for men who have sex with men. The studies suggest that frequent testing and addressing risky behaviors can help prevent ...
A recent study published in BMC Psychology found that people with HIV have difficulty recognizing facial expressions, particularly fear, and are more likely to experience memory problems. The researchers suggest that this impairment can be debilitating and impact daily life and personal interactions.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against daily supplementation with vitamin D ≤ 400 IU and calcium ≤ 1,000 mg for fracture prevention in postmenopausal women. Daily supplementation has no net benefit and increases the risk of kidney stones, according to a systematic evidence review.
The large-scale antiretroviral treatment (ART) program in rural South Africa has led to a rapid and dramatic increase in population adult life expectancy, with gains observed in both men and women. The benefit of providing ART far outweighs the cost, with a cost-effectiveness ratio of $1593 per life year saved.
Research suggests a significant proportion of HIV positive patients are not disclosing their infection to NHS staff, potentially skewing estimates of undiagnosed HIV. This phenomenon may be linked to fear of judgment or stigma, highlighting the need for further study and education.
Research reveals that marijuana use among Russian HIV-infected individuals with risky drinking habits is associated with increased sharing of needles, multiple sexual partners, and unprotected sex. This finding may help clinicians identify those at higher risk of transmitting HIV.
Researchers led by Ken Williams are studying cell types that contribute to an HIV viral reservoir and developing new therapies to control the virus's debilitating effects. The team aims to target specific cells and cellular activity linked to conditions like dementia, cardiovascular disease, and nerve damage.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a natural protein called cholesterol-25-hydroxylase (CH25H) that can block the entry of HIV and other deadly viruses into cells. The protein, which is activated by interferon, produces an oxysterol that can permeate cell walls and inhibit viral growth.
The global response to NCDs can benefit from the successful integration strategies of HIV/AIDS and TB treatment. Building on these partnerships and investments will be crucial in addressing the rising NCD burden, which will overwhelm health systems due to multimorbidity.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that HIV exploits a human cytokine called interleukin 7 (IL-7) in semen to promote its own transmission. The researchers discovered that the increased concentration of IL-7 in semen facilitates HIV transmission to cervical tissue ex vivo.
Researchers found that African American and Latino men who have sex with men voluntarily used health-related Facebook groups to discuss HIV knowledge, stigma, and prevention, leading to increased requests for home-based HIV tests. The study suggests social media can be a useful tool for collecting and analyzing data, saving money and i...
Researchers are investigating how macrophage activation affects nerve damage in HIV patients, with the goal of developing biomarkers for early detection and potential treatments.
Researchers at UC San Diego will investigate factors promoting successful aging in HIV-infected adults, including resilience and biomarkers of physical and cognitive aging.
A new study finds that extra-couple transmission accounts for 30% of new HIV infections in men and 10% in women within stable partnerships. Targeting all heterosexual routes of transmission with test-and-treat strategies could be key to fighting the epidemic.
A study found that conditional cash transfer programs can improve behavior among gay men and male sex workers in Mexico City. Gay men would participate at a rate of over 75% if offered $7-8.75/month, while male sex workers would participate for significantly less, $156/year.
A UK study found that improved prevention measures failed to reduce HIV levels among men who have sex with men in England and Wales, despite increased testing and treatment rates. The researchers suggest that targeting the most-at-risk groups and initiating treatment earlier may be necessary to bring about a drop in HIV incidence.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine found that patient satisfaction with care is associated with higher adherence to antiretroviral therapy and retention in HIV care. Patients who were more satisfied had better clinical outcomes, including improved survival rates.
A UCLA-led study found that older adults' general mistrust of the government and AIDS-related conspiracy theories significantly impact their willingness to get tested for HIV. Despite venues offering free testing, 45% of participants had not taken an HIV test in the past year.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that patient-directed problem-solving approaches improved HIV drug adherence, with patients taking nearly twice as many prescribed doses as those in standard care. This approach also led to a 50% improvement in viral suppression rates.